Councillor is hacked off after computer scam

CHORLEY GUARDIAN'Councillor Alan Whittaker on his laptop, after his email account was hacked and deleted all his email.

Published:16:33Friday 06 February 2015

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A councillor has issued a stark warning after being ‘mugged and robbed in Athens’.

Alan Whittaker wants others to be on their guard after he fell victim to computer hackers who sent out a bogus email about him.

The Chisnall ward councillor had all the contacts on his computer deleted – and it is the second time he has been targeted.

The hackers changed his email address and diverted all his incoming mail to themselves.

The rogue email stated: “Hello,

“I’m writing this with tears in my eyes, sorry I did not inform you about our trip, but a few days back my family and I made an unannounced vacation trip to Athens, Greece and unfortunately we got attacked and mugged at gunpoint on our way to the hotel where we stayed.

“All my cash, credit card and mobile phone were stolen but luckily we still have our passports left with us.

“We have been to the embassy and the police but they’re not helping issues at all.

“Now our return flight leaves in few hours from now but we’re having problems settling the hotel bills and the hotel manager won’t let us leave until we settle the bills. Right now I really need your help.

Regards,

Alan”

Coun Whittaker said: “It’s a warning to users – be very careful about even opening unknown or suspicious emails.